Press Release: Syrian Interim President Meets Macron Amid Controversy Over Sanctions
In a significant diplomatic move, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday—the first European visit for al-Sharaa since ascending to leadership after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. The meeting aimed to showcase a moderate stance amid skepticism from European nations.
Macron emphasized a balanced approach during a joint press conference, urging Syria to commit to civil peace and reforms. He announced support for the gradual easing of sanctions previously imposed on Assad’s regime, contingent on the interim government’s progress in justice and democratic reforms. Al-Sharaa echoed these sentiments, describing the sanctions as an obstacle to Syria’s recovery and arguing that the current government should not be penalized for its predecessor’s actions.
Addressing security concerns, Macron labeled the Islamic State group as "the most serious threat" to France and called for the United States to continue military operations against IS in Syria while advocating for the lifting of sanctions.
Al-Sharaa, affiliated with the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, remains a controversial figure, as he is still under a UN travel ban, necessitating France to seek an exemption for his visit. Macron’s willingness to engage with al-Sharaa has stirred significant debate within French political circles, drawing sharp criticism from right and far-right parties who argue it legitimizes a leader with a jihadist background.
In response to the pushback, Macron asserted that diplomacy shouldn’t be confined to only allies, challenging the notion that international engagement should exclude those with whom there are disagreements. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Franco-Syrian relations and sets the stage for potential shifts in EU policy regarding sanctions on Syria.
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